Yoga Thoughts
Alone in the house, I’ve been binge watching Shameless on Netflix far too late at night, not cooking even more than I was not cooking before, wearing the same clothes so I don’t have to put anything away and generally living the innocently debauched life of a first-year uni student.
I have still been getting on my mat for a lopsided practice so all is not lost. And working through my many yoga thoughts, generally unfiltered and here for your viewing pleasure …
I’ve noticed that it’s difficult to find an early morning yin class near where I live. My shoulder injury means vinyasa is out for the moment and I’m wandering around in a yin-less yoga abyss. Obviously it’s not all about me. I’m not Kanye. I do wonder though why there are never yin classes in the morning. Most studios have them on their evening timetables and I know it’s a super juicy way to end the day. But it’s also a calm, gentle way to wake up; a let’s-ease-into-it-yet-feel-stretched-out-all-over way to start the day. (Before coffee and driving home makes me all yang again.)
Or does everyone need to whoop it up first thing?* I love my inversions, I love getting all asana-y but there’s nothing like truly coming back to your breath and feeling every single level of a posture. Why yin is often considered an ‘easy’ practice, I’ll never know. I find it the most frustrating, screamingly uncomfortable style of yoga. And I love it.
As a side note, is there a bit of a yin revolution going on right now? There seems to be a lot of yin love being spread around and I’m in! I’d be a lot more in, if there were a few classes in the am.
As another side note, here’s a disclaimer: This is not an unreasonable request or inappropriate use of a blog post.
I’ve noticed lots of yogis surf. All summer I’ve been in awe of gorgeous creatures posting images of a life that swings easily between mat and surfboard. I haven’t noticed lots of yogis doing jigsaws. Swings and roundabouts, people, swings and roundabouts. Our time will come.
I’ve noticed a heap of guru-love. It’s something I’ve never gotten into; in fact it’s something I’ve shied away from. I don’t know if it’s because I’m not a teacher and therefore haven’t experienced up close the teachings of someone who is revered and respected within the worldwide yoga community. But I also notice it amongst the New Zealand yoga community and I wonder about it. Why it occurs and why it sometimes presents as blind faith. I understand that some teachers have been hugely influenced by who they were trained with or studied with; I just struggle with the idolising. This reluctance to worship another person in such a way, no questions asked, might (does) have much to do with my overall distaste for the similar worship qualities exhibited by many who follow a religion.
On a less complicated note, maybe it’s the after-effect of Wanderlust and the wealth of information on offer. And the hugging.
I’ve noticed that no one under 30 drips in the humidity of a hot yoga studio. They simply glow. They also appear poreless, and practice with their hair (or beard!) long and flowing and IT NEVER GETS FRIZZY. It’s true that these things are particularly noticeable after a hard night editing images of sports models. So … no hard feelings, you poreless-wonders, I forgive you. Just getting old and sweaty over here.
I’ve noticed that most of us involved in yoga eat well. We talk about kale without smirking, have multiple uses for chickpea brine and keep raw sweet treats in the freezer where we used to store ice cream. Lately I’ve been reminded that not everyone lives the same way. That some people would consider a main meal made up entirely of vegetables outrageous. I’ve been living in a wellness bubble and accept that saying out loud it must be getting a little cooler in the mornings because my coconut oil is starting to solidify makes me sound like a complete plonker. Don’t worry; I’m rolling my eyes too.
What about you? What’s going on in your yoga world? Yin? Surfing? Jigsaws? Any unfiltered thoughts you’d like to share?
– Jane x
*Me, I’m happy to lie down as much as possible. Always. And forever. I could lie down right now if someone wants me to. Just say the word.
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© The Yoga Connection 2016